Hendricks County's Downtown
Christmas on the Square
Held on the Friday after Thanksgiving from 4 to 6 pm, this holiday tradition lights up the square—literally! Families and friends gather on the square to watch Santa and his helper as they flip the giant light switch to illuminate the 30-foot Christmas tree and ignite 10,000 bulbs in the overhead canopy of lights! Activities include the Reindeer Game tent, face painter, balloon twister, roaming Christmas characters, a live nativity, holiday music, children’s storytime, an ice skating rink, and of course all our downtown merchants will be open and ready to serve up some Christmas spirit or help you find that special gift. And don’t forget---children 12 and under can enter the drawing to see who gets to help Santa “flip the switch” to light up the square. Winner will be drawn at 5:50 pm and tree lighting takes place at 6:00 pm.
Got ‘Crows?
It’s time to put on your creativity cap and start planning your entry for this year’s highly-anticipated “Scarecrow Contest”. 2011 marks the fourth year that Danville businesses and citizens line the courthouse lawn with an amazing display of original scarecrows. Scarecrows will be installed on October 1st and remain on display through October 31st. The Scarecrow Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct 1st from 12 noon to 3 pm and winners of the scarecrow contest will be announced during the festival. Click here to get your copy of the Scarecrow Contest Rules and entry form.
There's a sense of pride that comes with being a part of something special, something bigger than yourself. When citizens, business owners, and public servants came together in May of 2007 to discuss the state of Danville, they made a discovery. They discovered just how much they cared about this small town's future. They also realized how important it is to protect the heart of it: our downtown.
If you'd like to join the effort to revitalize downtown Danville, please do so by eating at the restaurants, shopping the stores, and viewing movies & concerts at the theater. If you are able to contribute financially, please do so by indicating your pledge here.
Just minutes west of Indianapolis, Danville is the county seat and heart of Hendricks County. We invite you to visit Danville's historic courthouse square for dining, shopping, and year 'round special events. 
NEW FOR 2011—Ice Skating on the Square
Lace up a pair of skates and take a spin on the “ice” in downtown Danville. A synthetic ice skating rink will be set up on the south side of the square from Nov 25th thru Dec 6th. Don’t own any skates? We’ll rent you a pair for just a buck. Skate time is free, but may be limited if the rink is busy… which means you’ll have more time to visit the merchants around the square.
Skating Rink Hours:
Monday-Friday: 4pm to 8 pm
Saturdays: 10am to 9pm
Sundays: 12pm to 7pm
First Fridays Cruise-Ins on the Square
Be downtown on the first Friday of each month from May thru October to enjoy an old-fashioned cruise-in. Cool tunes fill the air as hundreds of hot rods—classic cars—muscle cars—whatever gets your motor running—can be found lining the streets of the downtown square from 5 to 9 pm. Feel the vibe as the downtown streets rumble with energy on First Fridays!
Summer Sounds on the Square
There’s no better place to be on the third Saturday in June, July, August and September than downtown Danville. Marion Street is filled with lawn chairs and picnic tables as people enjoy live music and savor delicious food and adult beverages from downtown’s favorite eateries. Gates open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. $5 admission for ages 21 and over.
Join us on the square EVERY 1st Friday May - October.
Beginning May 7th, join us on the square for lunchtime entertainment and lunch specials from your local merchants.
At 5pm, the Indy Hi-Winders Car Club will show off some of the best hot rods and classic cars during the cruise-in.
Summer Sounds on the Square - LIVE!
There’s no better place to be on the third Saturday in June, July, August and September than downtown Danville. Marion Street is filled with lawn chairs and picnic tables as people enjoy top-notch live music and savor great food from downtown eateries. Here’s the 2011 concert line-up:
June 18th
Cook & Belle
July 16th
Duke Tomato and the Power Trio
Aug 20th
Tim Grimm and Friends
Sept 17th
Jennie DeVoe
Gates open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Admission is only $5 for ages 21. Anyone under 21 is FREE! Because “adult beverages” are available for purchase inside the concert gates, please bring a picture ID (and a lawn chair of course) but please leave coolers at home. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to the Royal Theater.
Christmas on the Square! See great photos of the 2008 event that drew more than 2,000 people and get the 2009 schedule of events NOW! Read all about it!
Changes on the square...for the better. Watch for exterior building improvements by several downtown businesses funded in part by the Downtown Danville Partnership's Facade Improvement Grant program. See the 2008 grant recipients and their projects on this page as well.
Memorialize your family or event on the square. Memory bricks are for sale for just $50. More information here.
